2020 STUDENT INFORMATION BOOKLET

142 The Wool Road Vincentia NSW 2540 Tel (02) 4441 6766 Fax (02) 4441 6000 Email vincentia-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website www.vincentia-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Facebook Vincentia High School

LEARNING

FOR

LIFE

2

Student Information Booklet 2020/Working Document-Faculty/Office/HANDBOOKS/2020/Information Booklet 2020 – SENTRAL: Handbooks 2020 Student Information Booklet

WELCOME TO NEW STUDENTS

Welcome to Vincentia High School. I am the Principal here and my name is Ms Ruth Winfield. I am sure you are ready to start your new adventure at High School. I am looking forward to meeting you and learning how you can work co-operatively to contribute to the success of the school and your own futures. We want to encourage you to achieve your personal best through your six years of High School so that you leave us with good memories and a sense of achievement about all that you have learned. If you are in Year 7 I am sure Vincentia High School is much bigger than your previous school. You will soon

find your way around and quickly adapt to a bigger school. You will have many and varied opportunities to extend and deepen your learning through different subjects. The adults around you at school and home want you to be successful and will be there at different times to help you. I am confident that you will finish high school with a strong sense of your own identity; understanding who you are as a person and what things are important for you now and in your imagined future. Over time, you will steadily make progress, sometimes this will be easier than others. You will need to take full responsibility for listening to and respecting your teachers to ensure you get the best out of every day. I want you to make the most of the learning experiences that we provide so that you can be actively involved in our community now and in the future. At Vincentia High School we have a large support network to assist students and parents through any challenges you may be facing. Please contact your Year Advisor initially to talk about this. Stay positive, learn to think critically and enjoy a warm welcome to Vincentia High School.

2020 School Captains Jake Carruthers & Lucy Swanson

Vice Captains

Tegan McKay & Ryan Phillips

1

Mission Statement Vincentia High School’s mission is “Learning for Life”. We aim to achieve this by developing students’ core values in ‘personal best, respect and responsibility’. We aim to provide a nurturing, stimulating and diverse learning environment which produces students with problem solving skills for the 21st century.

RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY PERSONAL BEST

ALL SETTINGS - Follow teacher instructions. - Use polite language.

- Wear school uniform. - Care for others. - Right time, right place.

- Show pride in school

environment. - Participate and do my

best.

PLAYGROUND

- Use polite language. - Keep my environment clean. - Respect the rights and

property of others.

- Stay in bounds. - Interact positively with

others.

- Put rubbish in the bins. - Move on the bell.

CANTEEN - Be patient and polite.

- Wait in correct line. - Move after being served.

- Make good choices about my food.

TOILETS

- Place rubbish in bins. - Allow privacy. - Use toilets for intended

purpose.

- Practise personal hygiene. - Use water responsibly.

- Keep the area safe and report any problems.

BUS BAY - Stay in bounds. - Wait in correct area.

- Be considerate and fair

when lining up.

CORRIDORS / STAIRS

- Place rubbish in bins.

- Use corridors at

appropriate times. - Keep left and allow people

to pass. - Keep clear of entrances

and exits. - Keep my property to

myself.

- Line up outside class on

time and wait quietly. - Allow personal space

for others.

EXCURSIONS - Be polite to community

members. - Notes returned on time.

- Recognise and achieve

educational value.

OFFICE - Speak clearly and politely. - Know your message. - Complete your task.

ASSEMBLIES

- Look and listen. - Enter and exit quietly. - Show good audience

manners.

- Enter and exit quietly.

- Participate with pride.

2

Senior Executive Renee Gilbert Deputy Principal Instructional Leader Sandy Clark Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Learning & Support, Gumbari Kylie Newton Deputy Principal Years 7, 10 & 11 Simon Flanigan Deputy Principal Years 8, 9 & 12 Michelle Haynes Business Manager School Administration Manager Tracy Johnson-Warnecke

Attendance Officer Lesley Simpson

Aboriginal Education Officer Gai Brown Defence School Mentor Jacqui Copeland

Wellbeing Team

Year 7 Year Advisors Mark Rakecki & Linda Mack Year 8 Year Advisors Jaz Corr & Steve Crossman Year 9 Year Advisors Adrian Volpatti & Tim Dunn Year 10 Year Advisors Alison Bech & Kristina Rodwell Year 11 Year Advisors Nicole Higgins & Gina Tekis Year 12 Year Advisor Corey Ryan Head Teacher Wellbeing Petra Greyling School Counsellors Claire Burnett & Katrina Rees Careers Advisor Maree McNeil

Year 12 Study Centre Ashleigh Tinkler

Sport Coordinator Maxine Amor Homework Centre Coordinators Amy Harper & Nicole Higgins Home School Liaison Officer Les Holder

Faculty Head Teachers English Jess Holloway Fry (R) Mathematics Renaye Henderson (R) Science Christine Gates Physical Development/Health/Physical Education Peter Raftery Human Society in Its Environment Eren Salahi Creative & Performing Arts Tye Langford (R) Technology & Applied Sciences Andrew Newton

Head Teacher Administration Students Ged Brindley Head Teacher Administration Staff Mark Swanson Head Teacher Support Unit Meaghan Goerlach (R) Head Teacher Gumbari (ED Facility) Tom Mason (R) Head Teacher Learning & Support Toni Smith

Principal Ruth Winfield

3

Contacting the School All parents are most welcome at the school and will have the opportunity to be involved in different school

activities and participate in decisions affecting their children’s schooling.

Please consult the table below to make contact with the correct person when you have an issue or concern.

Contact the school on 4441 6766 for any of the following:

AREA OF CONCERN:

REASON FOR CONCERN: WHO TO

CONTACT:

ATTENDANCE: ❖ Notice of Illness, injury. Mrs Lesley Simpson

WELLBEING:

❖ Death or sickness in family ❖ Friendship issues ❖ First notification of interpersonal issues

Excursions, Positive news, extra curricula success eg. sporting teams, music etc.

❖ Change of carer ❖ Attendance concerns

Year Advisors

UPDATING STUDENT INFORMATION:

❖ Medical Information ❖ Change of address / phone / email,

emergency contacts, ❖ Change of carer

Front office and Year Advisor

TEACHING AND LEARNING:

❖ Concerns with class placement ❖ Curriculum, assessment and reporting ❖ Suspensions.

Year Deputy Principal or Year Advisor

ONGOING WELFARE ISSUES:

❖ Referrals to wellbeing support services Deputy Principal

Special Education & Wellbeing

LEARNING AND SUPPORT:

❖ Requests for assessment, support in class, assignment assistance

Head Teacher Learning &

Support

4

Daily Routine

At Vincentia High School our day is divided into six lessons or periods. The school timetable is based on a ten day cycle.

The bell times are as follows:

Roll Call

Normal Times

8:15am - 8:25am

Assembly Day Times

8:15am - 8:25am

Period 1

8:25am - 9:10am

8:25am - 9:00am

Period 2

9:10am - 10:00am

9:00am - 9:40am

Assembly

9:40am - 10:40am

Recess

10:00am - 10:30am

10:40am - 11:10am

Period 3

10:30am - 11:20am

11:10am - 11:50am

Period 4

11:20am - 12:10pm

11:50am - 12:30pm

Lunch

12:10pm - 12:40pm

12:30pm - 1:00pm

Period 5

12:40pm - 1:30pm

1:00pm - 1:40pm

Period 6

1:30pm - 2:20pm

1:40pm - 2:20pm

5

Contributions School contributions are used to provide the teacher/learning/school resources which the school utilises to enhance the learning for your child. The money raised therefore contributes to textbooks, resource books, consumable equipment like paint and wood, and much of the school’s technological and learning tools, like software for the computers.

All monies paid to the school in way of subject contributions are used to provide materials for students. All other funds held go towards the running costs of the school and are fully accounted for by the P&C and the Department of Education. The P&C support the charging of contributions to assist in the smooth operation of the school.

The contribution amounts for 2020 are: Stage 4 - Years 7 & 8 $106 Stage 5 - Years 9 & 10 $106 Stage 6 - Year 11 & 12 $106

The school acknowledges that some families find it difficult to pay their contribution, so we offer parents the option to make payments over the year. In some cases of extreme hardship or those in receipt of a pension, parents can apply through the School’s Student Assistance Scheme to help with the payment of school contribution. If you wish to access this service, please consult the front office to get the necessary application form.

Text Books

There is a $150 Text Book Deposit at the commencement of Year 11 which is refundable upon completion of Year 12. Allowance is made for reasonable wear and tear but lost or damaged books must be paid for by the students.

Parent Payment Online (POP)

Payments can be made online via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. You can use Visa or Master credit or debit card through your computer, tablet or mobile phone. The payment page is accessed from the front page of the schools website by selecting ‘$ Make a payment.’ You can pay for: ❖ School/Subject contributions ❖ Excursions ❖ Sales to Students ❖ Creative & Practical Arts activities (band, drama and dance) ❖ Other - for items not covered under previous headings

When you access the ‘$ Make a payment’ you must enter:

❖ Students name, class and reference number or

❖ Students name and date of birth

There is also the option to enter the Student Registration Number (SRN) which is located under the barcode on the Vincentia High School Student Library Identification Card and the Invoice number if it has been provided. These details must be entered each time you make a payment as student information is not held in the payment system. You must check and amend any details before submitting the payment. Receipts can be emailed and/or printed. Details of the payments are sent to the school daily where payments are receipted against the students account. As a receipt has been issued from the payment page a further receipt will not be issued by the school.

For any enquiries please contact the School Administration Office - 4441 6766.

6

Curriculum Structure

STAGE 4 Years 7 & 8

In Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) all students follow the same courses of study which are designed to provide a wide range of experiences in all KLA's.

Students in Stage 4 - Years 7 & 8 study:

*English * TAS (Technology and Applied Studies) * Mathematics * Music and Visual Arts * HSIE (Geography & History) * PD/H/PE * Science * Sport * LOTE (Aboriginal Language) Year 7 * SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Information is gathered about Year 7 students the year before they arrive at Vincentia High School. Their Year 6 teachers are consulted, some testing is carried out and students are placed in 'Bands' according to their ability, strengths, needs and stage of development.

The Bands are:

Top Band Middle Band Help Band Students can move between these bands according to their achievement in the completion and submission of assessment tasks, learning focus and attitude throughout the year. Year 8 students are allocated to a top band and mixed ability classes. All classes follow the same curriculum pattern of study and content, and assessments are adjusted according to individual student needs. Years 7 & 8 Requirements Book Packs to meet these requirements are available from the Vincentia High School Front Office - located

in the Administration Block. The school accepts cash or card. Included in the Book Pack is: 4 x A4 128 page exercise books 4 x A4 192 page exercise books 1 x A4 192 page grid book 1 x A4 128 page music book 3 x display folders A4 1 x A4 document wallet 1 x 8gm glue stick 1 x pkt 12 coloured pencils 1 x pair 155mm S/S scissors rounded end 2 x red pens 2 x blue pens 2 x black pens 2 x 2B pencil 1 x 3B pencil 1 x highlighter 1 x 1 hole metal pencil sharpener 1 x 30cm wooden ruler 1 x small plastic eraser 1 x A3 120 page Visual Arts Diary Total cost of book pack - $42.00 Calculators - $20.00

7

STAGE 5 Years 9 & 10

Students select from the following options and classes are formed based on students selections each year.

Students study the following mandatory subjects:

* English * Mathematics * Science * PD/H/PE * Sport * HSIE (Australian History & Geography) They then choose 3 electives, one from each of the ‘W’ ‘X’ ‘Y’ & ‘Z’ lines shown in the grids above.

YEAR 9

Line X Line Y Line Z Agriculture Child Studies Automotive

Dance Food Technology Timber Skills

Photography Indonesian Elite Athletics

Food Technology Marine Studies Engineering

Sport Studies Music Master Chef

Metal Sport Studies Musical Performance

IT Software Electronics Vincentia Survivor

Wood Technology Metal Yearbook

Visual Arts Wood Technology Body in focus

YEAR 10

Line W Line X Line Y Dance Drama Agriculture

Information Technology Elite Athletics Automotive

Marine Studies Electronics Bike Business

Metals & Technology Food Technology Child Studies

Music Indonesian Making Money

Photography iSTEM Visual Arts

Sport Studies Photography Visual Design

Textiles What’s on the Menu What’s on the Menu

What’s on the Menu Wood Technology English Extension

8

Years 9 & 10 Requirements Agriculture 96 page A4 exercise book Bike Business 96 page A4 exercise book Dance 96 page A4 exercise book, A4 Visual Arts Diary Drama 96 page A4 exercise book English 96 page A4 binder book, A4 Display folder Elite Athletics 96 page A4 exercise book Food Technology 96 page A4 exercise, A4 Display folder Geography 96 page A4 exercise book History 96 page A4 exercise book Indonesian 96 page A4 exercise book Industrial Technology 96 page A4 exercise book, A4 Display folder Information Software Technology A4 display folder ISTEM A4 display folder Marine Studies 96 page A4 exercise book Mathematics 128 page A4 grid book, scientific calculator (Casio or Sharp) Music A4 Music Book (lined and manuscript pages) A4 display folder Mysteries & Disasters 96 page A4 exercise book PH/H/PE 96 page A4 exercise book Photography A4 Visual Arts process diary, fine line black pen Science 96 page A4 exercise book Sport Studies 96 page A4 exercise book Textiles and Design 128 page A4 exercise book, A4 display folder Visual Arts A3 Visual Art Process Diary, 2B pencil, eraser Visual Design A4 Visual Arts Process Diary, 2B pencil, eraser What’s On The Menu? 96 page A4 exercise book, A4 display book Students also require:

✓ USB stick (at least 4GB) ✓ red, black , blue pens ✓ pencil ✓ eraser ✓ ruler ✓ protractor ✓ highlighter ✓ glue stick

9

STAGE 6 Years 11 & 12

Students must study 2 units of English and may select their pattern of study based on an ATAR pathway which aims to develop student readiness for tertiary study at University level or a non-ATAR pathway which prepares students for vocational pursuits or TAFE study. Students select from a range subjects while they are in Year 10 in preparation for Years 11 & 12. (The line structure is subject to change).

Students are responsible for meeting TAFE, University and career requirements themselves.

Years 11 & 12 requirements Aboriginal Studies 96 page A4 binder book Ancient History 96 page A4 binder book Agriculture 96 page A4 binder book Biology 96 page A4 binder book Chemistry 96 page A4 binder book Community & Family Studies 96 page A4 binder book Construction Booklet provided Dance 96 page A4 binder book Design & Technology 96 page A4 binder book Drama 96 page A4 binder book English 96 page A4 binder book, A4 Display folder Earth & Environmental Science 96 page A4 binder book Food Technology 96 page A4 binder, A4 Display folder Geography 96 page A4 binder book Hospitality 96 page A4 binder, A4 Display folder Legal Studies 96 page A4 binder book Mathematics 128 page A4 grid book, scientific calculator Music 1 A4 Music Book (lined and manuscript pages) A4 display folder Modern History 96 page A4 binder book PH/H/PE 96 page A4 binder book Photography A4 Visual Arts Process Diary, fine line black pen Physics 96 page A4 binder book Senior Science 96 page A4 exercise book Society & Culture 96 page A4 binder book Sport, Life and Recreation 96 page A4 binder book Textiles and Design 240 page A4 binder book, 128page A4 binder book,

A4 Visual Arts Diary Visual Arts 96 page A4 binder book, A3 Visual Art Process Diary,

2B pencil, eraser Visual Design A4 Visual Arts Process Diary, 2B pencil, eraser Students also require:

✓ USB stick (at least 4GB ) ✓ red, black, blue pens ✓ pencil ✓ eraser ✓ highlighter ✓ glue stick ✓ binder folders to store and organise all class work at home. ✓ extra 96 page books

10

Book and Equipment Requirement List for all students from Years 7 to 12

The basic requirement for success is to have the necessary equipment with you at school: ❖ Blue or black pen & a red pen ❖ Calculator ❖ Diary to record homework, assignments, assessment tasks and important dates ❖ Glue stick ❖ HB pencil ❖ Ruler (preferably wood or plastic) ❖ Books/folders for each subject that day ❖ Eraser ❖ Coloured pencils

Care of Belongings

Students are responsible for their own belongings at all times and should always keep valuable items such as wallets, with them at all times. Valuables and large sums of money should not be brought to school. It is requested that all clothing, books, etc. be marked with the student's name.

Mobile Phones & Portable Music Players (iPods) Mobile phones will not be permitted to be used at any time whilst at school, including playgrounds, unless an express invitation from the teacher is given for students to use them in a learning context.

School Uniform

The wearing of school uniform is compulsory. The school uniform was decided on by members of the school community. The uniform is smart and practical and contributes to the promotion of a positive self-esteem for all students. The school has a uniform check each day. If there is a legitimate reason for not wearing uniform you are simply asked to bring a note with you on the day to explain why you are out of uniform. Girls: Boys:

Grey & maroon tartan dress (Jnr) Grey shorts Grey Dress (Snr) Blue buttoned shirt with collar (Snr) Grey and maroon check pleated skirt White buttoned shirt with collar (Jnr) White buttoned shirt with collar (Jnr) Maroon knitted pullover Blue buttoned shirt (Snr) Black shoes Maroon knitted pullover White/grey socks Black shoes Plain maroon tie (optional) White/grey socks Maroon fleecy zippered jacket (no hood) Plain maroon tie (optional) Grey Pants Long Grey Pants Maroon fleecy zippered jacket (no hood)

FOR SAFETY REASONS:

** THONGS ARE NOT TO BE WORN AT SCHOOL ** Jewellery is limited to sleepers or studs for pierced ears.

11

The following items are available at the Vincentia High School Uniform Shop: Girls: Boys:

Grey or Tartan Dresses $72.00 Elastic Waist Shorts $32.00 Girls Grey Shorts $30.00 Elastic Waist Trousers $35.00 Tartan Skirt $55.00 S/S Shirt White/Sky $30.00

Grey Stretch Slacks $35.00 S/S Blouse White/Sky $30.00 Unisex / Sport: Special / Others: Maroon Fleecy Zippered Jacket $40.00 School Tie (with logo) $15.00 Microfibre Jacket $68.00 School Cap (with logo) $12.00 Microfibre Trackpants $42.00 Socks (ankle, pack of 5) $20.00 Sport Polo $36.00 Socks (3/4, pack of 5) $20.00 Sport Shorts $30.00 Wool Jumpers $58.00 Uniform Shop open between the hours: Tuesday 7:45am - 10:30am Wednesday 7:45am - 10:30am Thursday 7:45am - 10:30am

School Summer Sports Uniform

Junior Girls & Boys Uniform

School Winter Track Suit

Senior Uniform

12

13

Parents and Citizens Association

The school has an active and supportive Parent's and Citizens' Association, which meets at 6pm in the staff common room on the Monday, Week 5 of each term. All parents are encouraged to attend. It is a good way of getting to know the school and its operation and will ultimately be of benefit to your child.

School Canteen

The Canteen is operated by a sub-committee of the P & C. A variety of food and drink is available from the first day of school including - pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches, rolls, milk, fruit juice, yoghurt, ice-cream, fruit, fruit salad and healthy snacks. The Canteen will be open each day during recess and lunch. It is not essential for students to order their lunches but advisable to guarentee your choice. This can be done in the morning before school or at recess. All parents are invited to join the band of volunteers at the Canteen. This could involve one day a month from 10am to 1.30pm. If you can assist, please contact the canteen Manageress, Mrs Mary Nelson, during school hours on 4441 6766.

Bus Travel

All buses serving the school are chartered school buses.

• Bus travel is free to students who reside more than 2.0 kilometres (radial distance) from the school they are attending.

• The pass is only available between home and the school for school attendance and is available on school days (Monday to Friday) only for travel commencing between 6.30 am and 7.00 pm.

• In a joint/dual custody situation, a student is eligible for subsidised travel from both the parents’ addresses, subject to meeting the normal eligibility criteria.

• Bus applications are available on line at transportnsw.info/school-students

• When the passes arrive at school the Front Office will notify students.

• If you require more information please go to www.131500.info or call the Transport Info line on 131500.

Attendance

Why must I send my child to school?

The law in NSW (Education Act 1990) states that all children between the ages of six and fifteen years are required to attend school on a regular basis, this act has recently been changed from fifteen years of age to seventeen years of age. It is the responsibility of parents or caregivers to make sure that their children attend school every day. Must I send my child to school every day?

YES unless:

• Your child is too sick to go to school or has an injury,

• Your child has to attend a special religious ceremony,

• Your child has an infectious illness, for example – chicken pox, mumps or measles,

• There is a serious family situation which requires their involvement.

14

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Attending school every day makes learning easier for your child and helps build and maintain friendships with other children. If students miss work, they may have problems later on. Regular attendance at school will help your child to succeed in later life. Please do not keep your child away from school for things such as birthdays, minding other children, haircuts and shopping. Always try to make children’s appointments with people like dentists or doctors before or after school. What should I do if my child has to stay away from school?

It is important to let the school know when your child will be away and why your child was absent. The parent or caregiver should telephone the school or provide a written note addressed to the school explaining the child’s absence. My child won’t go to school, what should I do?

You should contact the Deputy Principal Support & Wellbeing as soon as possible to discuss the problem and ask for help. The Deputy Principal may ask a Home School Liaison Officer to contact you to discuss the issue. The role of the Home School Liaison Officer - Parents have the major responsibility for ensuring the regular attendance of their children at school. Home School Liaison Officers provide additional support to students, parents and schools to encourage the full participation of all students in schooling.

Explanation of Absences It is essential that all student absences are explained promptly. The school will send daily emails to parents whose students have been marked absent without explanation. Please reply to the email or provide a written note. If your email address has not been provided a letter will be posted home for any unexplained absences.

Homework Centre

Homework centre is available for all students in Years 7 – 12 on Wednesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Library where a number of teachers are available to assist students with revision and assessments tasks. Light refreshments are provided. Banned Items

The following items are banned from student possession and/or use at Vincentia High School. These items will be confiscated by the Deputy Principals and may be returned to the student at the end of the day. Any problem with any student in relation to items in this list should be referred to the Deputy Principals.

• aerosol spray/deodorant cans

• felt marker pens (large texta)

• bottles of whiteout

• magnets

• laser lights

• cigarette lighters and matches

• weapons of any sort

15

Prohibited Weapons

In accordance with the direction of the Minister of Education and Communities, our school will immediately suspend any student found with a weapon and inform the police: Weapons include;

• firearms of any kind

• knives

• catapults or slingshots

• any device capable of projecting a dart

• any explosive device

• tasers

Prohibited Drugs

In accordance with the direction of the Minister of Education and Communities, our school will immediately suspend any student found with illegal drugs, and also inform the police. Our policy with regard to tobacco is that smoking in school is totally prohibited. This applies to all school staff, students and visitors.

Students who are under the influence of alcohol or have alcohol in their possession will be immediately suspended.

Discipline Procedures The school issues both lunchtime and afterschool detention for students who fail to abide by our school core values; Respect, Responsibility & Personal Best.

Students Requiring Medication

All students who use Asthma inhalers or EpiPens are required to carry them with them at all times. The school does not keep Asthma medication for general use. Students requiring medication as a one off eg. Antibiotics, must provide a note with the medication, to the front office. The note must detail what the medication is, the dosage and be signed by the parent/caregiver. Students who require prescribed medication on a regular basis, must complete the necessary documentation and return it to the school. Medication will be stored securely in the front office. PLEASE NOTE: The school is unable to distribute Paracetamol to students

General Questions

Who do I contact? ➢ If I want to discuss school costs and contributions?

Please contact the Front Office on 4441 6766

➢ If I have severe financial difficulties?

Each year the school receives funds to assist students in Year 7 upwards to age sixteen (16) whose families have severe financial problems. Forms are available from the Front Office. Aboriginal Students may be eligible for ABSTUDY grants while those students sixteen (16) years and over may qualify for YOUTH ALLOWANCE.

➢ If my child has problems settling in to school?

Contact the Student Year Advisor who will help address any concerns you may have.

16

➢ If my child has a subject related problem?

Contact the appropriate Teacher and Head Teacher to arrange an appointment.

➢ If my child has a learning difficulty?

The school has a full time Learning and Support Team (LaST) trained to help students experiencing learning difficulties.

➢ What is the procedure for bus travellers?

At the end of the school day, students should go to the bus areas to wait for their buses in the designated area. Enter the bus when told by the teacher on duty. All students are expected to be courteous and co-operative when boarding and travelling on buses. Students should follow any requests by supervising staff.

➢ Where should parents wait when collecting children?

Before and after school, parents should wait in the gravel parking area, opposite the bus bay. To ensure students safety, parents are requested to always obey the road signs in the school. Normal "rules of the road" apply.

➢ If my child is suspended from school?

A student may be suspended for insolence, disruption, persistent disobedience or violence, or when they have brought drugs or weapons to school (Department of Education Policy). No child has the right to prevent other students from learning or teachers from teaching. Suspensions are handled by the Deputy Principals and Principal. You will be contacted via letter to arrange a return to school interview. The child is not to return to school until the suspension resolution and interview has occurred.

Student Questions ➢ Where do I go on arrival at school?

All students must stay in the front cola and playground area near the front office of the school. No students are to be in the areas behind the school buildings.

➢ What if I am late for school?

Go to the Office and you will be issued with a late slip to take to class and give to your teacher. Make sure you have a signed note from home explaining why you are late, otherwise the absence will be recorded as “unexplained”.

➢ If I need to leave school early, for any reason, what do I do?

Bring a note, explaining why you need to leave early. This note must be signed and dated by a parent or carer and include your address and year. The note is to be taken to the front office at the beginning of the day. You will need to be collected by a parent. If a parent is unavailable, the parent may give written permission to the school for another person to collect you. Please ensure the adult can identify themselves through drivers licence or similar.

➢ If I am absent for a day or more, what do I do?

On your return hand a note in to the office staff, signed by a parent or carer, explaining the reason for your absence. The Education Reform Act of 1990 requires parents and caregivers to provide reasons for their child’s absence from school.

➢ Where do I go if I do not feel well? Tell your teacher who will send you to the front office with a note. The office staff will arrange for you to stay in the Sick Bay and your parent will be contacted by office staff.

17

House Groups (For Swimming and Athletics Carnivals)

The house system is structured to develop healthy school spirit through a variety of sporting, academic and cultural activities. It is expected that house captains will be integral to encourage maximum participation in all events.

School Parking Facilities and School Road Use:

Parents need to observe and follow all road signage around the school. The school, because of the nature of its setting, occasionally requires emergency vehicles to have free and easy movement through the school, particularly the fire brigade and ambulance. The buses that service the school also need the whole area allocated to them to move freely, so please do not block the bus bay areas. All parking spaces at the rear of the school have been allocated as staff only parking. Students can park in the student parking area located on the western side of the school. A vacant staff car park doesn't mean it will not be filled in a short time, please do not park in the staff car park at any time. Visitors parking has been provided along the western perimeter of the school, next to the main road entrance. There is also disability parking for registered disabled drivers only, next to the staff car park. 'Drop Off' Zone: Parents dropping students at school are to use the 'drop off' zone at the top end of the bus bay and not drive up into the staff car park. The best time for this is after 8am as most of the buses have dropped students off by this time.

House Name Surname

Starting with: Surname

Ending with: Colour

GWIYALA A D Yellow

BILIMA E L Green

GUNYA M R Black

WALIMBURA S Z Red

18

Vincentia High School Honour Society

This is an award system that allows students to accumulate points over their entire schooling career to

obtain different levels of achievement.

Each year, students can receive points in over 50 categories based on their academic, athletic participation

and achievement, clubs and groups participation, extracurricular activities and overall school participation.

These points vary depended on commitment requirements and success. Examples being, 3 points for

achieving an A outcome in a class, 2 points for being a member of the baseball team and 1 point for

participating in the swimming carnival.

The points are recorded and tracked towards reaching the different award levels and are designed to

encourage students to participate and engage with their school. These awards are presented during

presentation day each year.

Award Levels:

Bronze Medallion 50 points

Silver Medallion 75 points

Gold Medallion 100 points

Honour Society Pin 125 points

Crest for school jacket 150 points

Honour Society Plaque 175 points

Pennant hung in ‘Hall of Honour’ 200 points

Picture placed on ‘Wall of Honour’ 250 points